No wonder our Canadian friend Juneof86, has already picked a 1-0 scoreline (either way) for the Playoff.
Think it will be easier for the AWs staff to do an analysis of the Ticos - after their 14 game, must win, can't really keep secrets - CONCACAF qualifying series.
Little bit trickier doing analysis on the AWs given some big guns like Singh & maybe Thomas to come in, who could certainly somewhat change up the way the AWs played in this OFC tourney.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/nz-teams/128210774/third-world-cup-appearance-closer-now-for-all-whites-than-at-any-stage-since-2010
There will be plenty of time for detailed analysis of Costa Rica and how the All Whites can try to beat them between now and the playoff, but two things stand out at first glance.
Think it will be easier for the AWs staff to do an analysis of the Ticos - after their 14 game, must win, can't really keep secrets - CONCACAF qualifying series.
Little bit trickier doing analysis on the AWs given some big guns like Singh & maybe Thomas to come in, who could certainly somewhat change up the way the AWs played in this OFC tourney.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/nz-teams/128210774/third-world-cup-appearance-closer-now-for-all-whites-than-at-any-stage-since-2010
There will be plenty of time for detailed analysis of Costa Rica and how the All Whites can try to beat them between now and the playoff, but two things stand out at first glance.
In the seven-match unbeaten run that has kept them in the World Cup qualification mix, Costa Rica have averaged 37 per cent possession. They’ve hovered around that mark whether they’ve been home or away and whether they’ve been playing against one of the regional powerhouses or one of the teams already eliminated.
Even when they hosted a Canadian team that went down to 10 men after 35 minutes, they finished with just 33 per cent of the ball, which suggests they have a reactive approach they would prefer to stick with no matter what. Further evidence of that comes from the fact that they’ve only had more than nine shots twice during their run of good results.
The key for Hay now will be arriving at the right combination of players for the biggest 90 minutes of men’s football the country has had since November 2017.
Even when they hosted a Canadian team that went down to 10 men after 35 minutes, they finished with just 33 per cent of the ball, which suggests they have a reactive approach they would prefer to stick with no matter what. Further evidence of that comes from the fact that they’ve only had more than nine shots twice during their run of good results.
The key for Hay now will be arriving at the right combination of players for the biggest 90 minutes of men’s football the country has had since November 2017.
Also important will be getting them some proper preparation ahead of that clash, with room for a match or two available in the window that begins on May 30, and plans already believed to be in motion.